Installing LED Bed lights= Question

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adrianp89

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Well guess I am the first to try something different. I did this over the weekend. I installed a tilt switch into the tailgate. When the tailgate drops, the lights turn on, when the tailgate goes up, the lights turn off.

Everything was wired up at the trailer plug with a relay.
 
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MaizeNBlue

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What kit?

Bedledz... it came with a cheap non inclosed fuse, I just replaced that with a inclosed one
Here is a pic of the switch
 

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kylekap19

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For a few reasons, I wired mine to a separate switch in the cab.

I liked the idea of turning them on and off at will and it was easier and cleaner to do with no splicing or tapping. The only thing I wish I did was to install a switch in the bed too, so that when I'm accessing it, I can turn them on or off from there too, instead of going back to the cab.

20160921_191337.jpg

20160921_171607.jpg
 

mitchmosher

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Use a Relay for more options?

I guess I have to complicate things...

I am planning to splice into the Cargo Lamp AND add a switch at the back using a SPDT Relay. This way I get the Key Fob, Cargo Lamp switch, and tailgate switch options. I am NOT an electrician but I have friends, YouTube, and all of you to get me through this!

Here's my crazy idea...
1) I'll be looking for that WT/Tan to splice into [87a common/default].
2) Run a 16 AWG fused at the battery to the switch at the tail gate.
3) Split from the switch to operate the relay coil [85] AND power IN to relay[87].
4) Power the Lights from [30].
5) Ground the Relay[86] and the lights.

All comments and insults are welcome, but be warned, I have a truck and I'm learning to use it ;)
 

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jfaubin

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I guess I have to complicate things...

I am planning to splice into the Cargo Lamp AND add a switch at the back using a SPDT Relay. This way I get the Key Fob, Cargo Lamp switch, and tailgate switch options. I am NOT an electrician but I have friends, YouTube, and all of you to get me through this!

Here's my crazy idea...
1) I'll be looking for that WT/Tan to splice into [87a common/default].
2) Run a 16 AWG fused at the battery to the switch at the tail gate.
3) Split from the switch to operate the relay coil [85] AND power IN to relay[87].
4) Power the Lights from [30].
5) Ground the Relay[86] and the lights.

All comments and insults are welcome, but be warned, I have a truck and I'm learning to use it ;)

Good setup and very secure with fuse and bosh relay. Keep me in touch! I would install also and you are a very good idea

J-F
 

Kapt

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After reading all this I have but one question. How did you guys run the wire from your cab to the bed? Got any photos?
 

nateinva

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Another option to consider is installing one of these behind your bumper:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007EA6WQU/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I used one of these adapters to hook up my LED tailgate bar, then spliced into it when installing my LED bed lights.

It's an adapter that plugs in-line with your factory wiring and can be removed easily. With the 7 pin trailer harness, you already have a constant 12v and ground you can tap into without having to run wires back to the cab / under the hood.

Just one suggestion....
 

akennedyusmc

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I don't have any pictures for you but when I ran my wires into my 3rd gen cab I slid it in with the emergency brake line. It was a tight fit but all you need is some 28 gauge wire. LEDs don't need fat wires. I have seen others go through the firewall in front of the brake pedal too. Hope this helps.


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Kapt

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I don't have any pictures for you but when I ran my wires into my 3rd gen cab I slid it in with the emergency brake line. It was a tight fit but all you need is some 28 gauge wire. LEDs don't need fat wires. I have seen others go through the firewall in front of the brake pedal too. Hope this helps.


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It's a start. Thank you
 

akennedyusmc

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It's a start. Thank you



No worries glad to help. I have 3 28 gauge wires going through that same whole. No water leaks yet


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runningwater

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I guess I have to complicate things...

I am planning to splice into the Cargo Lamp AND add a switch at the back using a SPDT Relay. This way I get the Key Fob, Cargo Lamp switch, and tailgate switch options. I am NOT an electrician but I have friends, YouTube, and all of you to get me through this!

Here's my crazy idea...
1) I'll be looking for that WT/Tan to splice into [87a common/default].
2) Run a 16 AWG fused at the battery to the switch at the tail gate.
3) Split from the switch to operate the relay coil [85] AND power IN to relay[87].
4) Power the Lights from [30].
5) Ground the Relay[86] and the lights.

All comments and insults are welcome, but be warned, I have a truck and I'm learning to use it ;)

How did this go? This is exactly what I'd like to do as well. (Would love a tutorial or video if you have one)

I've got my lights just need to get them installed!
 

jfaubin

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How did this go? This is exactly what I'd like to do as well. (Would love a tutorial or video if you have one)

I've got my lights just need to get them installed!

Me also, i would information for installing same kit
 

jfaubin

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I guess I have to complicate things...

I am planning to splice into the Cargo Lamp AND add a switch at the back using a SPDT Relay. This way I get the Key Fob, Cargo Lamp switch, and tailgate switch options. I am NOT an electrician but I have friends, YouTube, and all of you to get me through this!

Here's my crazy idea...
1) I'll be looking for that WT/Tan to splice into [87a common/default].
2) Run a 16 AWG fused at the battery to the switch at the tail gate.
3) Split from the switch to operate the relay coil [85] AND power IN to relay[87].
4) Power the Lights from [30].
5) Ground the Relay[86] and the lights.

All comments and insults are welcome, but be warned, I have a truck and I'm learning to use it ;)

Hi, do you have an update on your good installation?
regards
j-f
 
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